Multi-projector image composing head

ABSTRACT

The invention discloses a structure wherein a plurality of projectors are provided to project on a common focal plane images arranged in desired relative size and position to provide a composite image on a focal plane. From the composite image photographic plates may be derived. The various projectors are mounted to permit independent operation of the various projectors along parallel laterally offset lines and makes possible arrangements of separate material for use in preparing a composite picture in desired form.

United States Patent La Vant [451 July 25, 1972 [54] MULTI-PROJECTORIMAGE 2,200,594 5 1940 Diggins ..355/46 COMPOSING HEAD [72] X t L L L vt 44 O k Rid Pn'mary Examiner-John M. Horan nven or: aurence a an a ge vA" b nLKah Drive, Glencoe, 111. 60022 omey e n [22] Filed: Feb. 16, 1971[57] ABSTRACT [21] Appl. No.: 115,452 The invention discloses astructure wherein a plurality of projectors are provided to project on acommon focal plane images arranged in desired relative size and positionto pro- [22] }LS.CCII ..355/40, 3538ggilgg vide a composite image on afocal plane From the composite i 353130 image photographic plates may bederived. The various pro- 1 e o jectors are mounted to permitindependent operation of the [56] References Cited various pro ectorsalong parallel laterally offset lines and makes possible arrangements ofseparate material for use in UNITED STATES PATENTS preparing a compositepicture in desired form.

2,600,261 6/1952 Pennington ..353/30 X 1 Claim, 7 Drawing Figures 3a 3 Aj e e PATENTEDJULZS'QIZ BEST AVAILABLE COPY 3.679.303

sum 2 or 2 F1614 FIG. 5

MULTI-PROJECTOR IMAGE COMPCEING HEAD This invention relates to amulti-projector image composing head and aims to provide a means forconsolidating a plurality of separately projected images on one groundplane from which the composed image may be copied or otherwise used.

In preparing advertising layouts for making printing plates, it has beenthe practice to make individual photographic plates of individualcomponents such as printed matter, art work, pictorial matter andthereafter assemble the various plates or films arranged in desiredrelative positions and sizes so that one photographic picture of thecomposed matter is prepared as the basic element in connection withfurther preparation of printing plates. In the case of color plates, itis, of course, necessary to do all the above work for each of the colorsinvolved.

The above composing procedure is expensive because each photographicplate or film involves highly technical labor. Each plate or film musthave the image thereon of proper relative size compared to those ofother plates or films to be combined therewith. It is evident that anyfilms or plates required prior to a final film or plate containing allrequired material in properly arranged form involves expensive and timeconsuming preliminary procedures. It is, of course, essential that if afinally composed film or plate includes a picture as an element thereof,such picture be available in suitable form for projection. However,assuming that all elements of a finally composed image are available forrespective projection, the invention makes it possible to provide on onescreen projected images in desired relative dimensions and positionsfrom which a final plate or film may be directly produced.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The invention generallycontemplates a cage-like elongated frame of straight, laterally offset,parallel tubular members within which clear, unencumbered working spacecan exist. The parallel laterally offset tubular members are maintainedin predetermined prescribed relation to each other by suitable retainingmeans such as end frames or the like.

All, or substantially all, of the laterally offset members are adaptedto accommodate an individually adjustable telescoping rod for the rearend of each member. The arrangement is such that each telescoping rodmay be longitudinally moved to any desired position along its tubularmember and temporarily locked in such position.

Each longitudinally adjustable rod carries a projector whose projectionaxis extends within the working region in laterally offset but parallelrelation to its supporting tubular member. The direction and extent oflateral ofi'set of a projector with respect to its supporting tubularmember is individually adjustable.

The general arrangement is such that a projector may be adjustablysecured along any line within the cage working region parallel to andlaterally offset from the tubular members. All projectors are directedtoward the front end of the cage, which end may be designated as thecomposition image end and may have a ground glass on which are projectedimages from the projectors lying to the rear of or within the enclosedcage region. The respective sizes and location of the images fromvarious projectors may be combined on a ground glass to provide acomposite image consisting of component images which have beengeometrically arranged in desired relative position and size. Thus, adesired composite image on a ground glass can be created. Assuming thatthe component images have been arranged or re-arranged as desired toprovide a satisfactory composite image on a suitable ground glass orscreen, such composite image may be used in preparing a finalphotographic plate or plates (depending upon how many colors areinvolved).

It is possible to limit the composing function between a projectedcomponent image and a final composed image on a ground glass or screenwhile omitting completely any intervening photographic procedures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The invention will now be disclosed inconnection with the drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a side elevation, with certain parts in section, illustratingan exemplary construction embodying the invention.

FIG. 2 is a transverse section on line 2-2 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is an elevation from the composite image end of the embodimentillustrated in FIG. 1.

FIGS. 4 and 5 are respectively pictorial illustrations of exemplarycomponent image areas.

FIG. 6 is a detail illustrating a portion of the camera and plate holderupon which the composite image from the entire composing head may befocused.

FIG. 7 is a perspective exploded view of the new composing head with asupporting rod removed from such head for illustration.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED STRUCTURE The composing head forming thesubject matter of the present invention may consist of a framework ofindividual pipe lengths 10a up to 10f or any desired number of suchpipes. Each pipe is preferably of metal such as steel, brass, oraluminum, and is strong enough to cooperate with end frame rings toprovide a rigid cage. The pipes may have any desired length and for mostpurposes may each have a length of the order of about 4 or 5 feet,although it will be understood that the length of a cage will dependupon the physical dimensions of images to be handled. The individualpipe lengths should be parallel and in laterally offset relation, andare maintained in predetermined relation to provide a cage by frontframe ring 15 and rear frame ring 16 disposed in spaced parallel planes.The frame rings are preferably of rigid materials such as steel or othersuitable metal and the two frame rings cooperate with the pipe lengthsto form a cage. Within the cage consisting of the pipe lengths and framerings is clear working space 20. The two frame rings are cut out so thatworking region 20 within the cage may extend beyond the frame ringslongitudinally of the entire cage construction. Forward frame ring 15has ring support portion 15a and rear frame ring 16 has ring supportportion suitably carried by or attached to base plate 17 upon which theentire composing head may be supported.

While pipe lengths 10a, 10b, etc. may have any desired shape, a simplecylindrical pipe is preferred. As an example, each pipe length 10a, 10band the like may have an inside diameter of the order of about one inchand a suitable wall thickness to provide a sturdy construction. Inselecting the size of pipe lengths 10a and the like, it is desirable toselect such a size as to have available a smaller diameter pipe whichcan snugly and smoothly telescope within pipe lengths 10a and the liketo be described later.

Pipe lengths 10a, 10b, etc. are rigidly attached near their forward endsto front frame ring 15 so that the plane of ring 15 is normal to thelengths of the pipes. The shape of the outer edge of frame ring 15 isnot important within limits and the location, relative spacing and thelike of pipe lengths 10a, etc. in

ring 15 may be arranged to suit individual requirements. The

pipe lengths 10a, 10b, etc. pass through and are anchored to the frontframe ring 15 to provide a rigid cage and frame construction. Theanchoring may be accomplished in any suitable fashion such as tightlypressing the pipe ends into ring apertures, or, if metal is involved, bywelding or by nuts engaging external threads on the pipes and disposedon opposite sides of the wall of frame ring 15, or any other suitablearrangement.

Rear frame ring 16 should correspond to front frame ring 15 insofar asaccommodating the rear end portions of pipe lengths 10a, 10b, etc. Rearframe ring 16 is adapted to have the rear end portions of pipe lengths10a, 10b, etc. firmly secured thereto. In addition to providing a framecage support for the rear ends of the pipe lengths, it is also desiredto have solid or tubular support members 25a, 25b, etc. telescope intothe respective pipe lengths. For example, support tube 25a is adapted totelescope into the interior of cage pipe length a.

Similarly, support tube 25b is adapted to telescope into pipe lengthcage member 10b, etc.

Preferably means are provided for locking in desired longitudinalposition a support rod or tube within the cage pipe length member. As anexample, support tube 25a may be rotatively and/or longitudinallyadjusted within cage pipe length 10a to any desired position and lockedduring use ofthe composing head. Any suitable locking means may beprovided and, as an example, the means illustrated in FIG. 1 may beused. Thus, pipe length 10a has rigidly attached to the outside thereofnear the rear end portion sleeve 27 disposed within an aperture in framering 16. Sleeve 27 has shouldered portion 28 tight against the inner orcage face of rear frame ring 16. Sleeve 27 has rear end portion 29longitudinally split and externally threaded, the external threading atthe solid part of the pipe having nut 30 which may be turned tightagainst the outer face of rear frame ring 16. Clamping nut 31 isprovided so that nut 31 when turned away from frame ring 16 will closeslotted end 29 of the sleeve to contract and clamp support tube 250 indesired position. The length of each of the support rods or tubes 25a,25b, etc. can be as desired depending upon the amount of longitudinalmovement required for adjustment or focusing purposes, and will beapparent later.

Referring now to support tube or rod 25a (a pipe or tube rather thansolid rod is preferred) the rear end thereof carries a feed-throughclamp 32 adapted to accommodate in any desired longitudinal position bar33 preferably of rectangular section. Bar 33 may be clamped by wingscrew 34 carried by the feed-through clamp 32. The generally rectangularsection of bar 33 is preferred so that the alignment of the variousparts to be described will be maintained. Bar 33 has its lengthperpendicular to the length of support tube 25a and normally the lengthof bar 33 would extend into the projection of working region 20 withinthe cage. The inner end of bar 33 carries feed-through clamp 36generally similar to clamp 32 and is adapted to carry projector supportrod 37a in parallel and laterally offset relation to the length ofsupport tube 250. Projector support rod 37a is carried so that it islaterally offset from and parallel to the axis of support tube 25a. Bycontrolling the direction and amount of lateral offset of projectorsupport rod 37a with respect to support tube 25a the axis of projectorsupport rod 37a may be disposed along any desired line extending withinthe cage and parallel to the cage length. Projector support rod 37asupports projector 40a of any desired type. Thus projector 40a will havea conventional light and lens system and will have a film frame carrieror support through which a light beam may pass along a path withinworking region 20 in the cage longitudinally thereof. The projector maybe of any suitable type for handling any desired size of film frame andhave focusing means to adjust the image size and since such projectorsare will known and readily available, no detailed description thereof isnecessary.

It will be understood that the mounting for projector 40a will permitthe adjustment of the projector position within and/or along the cageinterior so that a desired projected image may be focused upon asuitable image plane at or near forward frame ring 15. The particularframe or matter projected by projector 40a will be a component of theentire composite image which it is desired to create.

It is evident that separate projectors may be positioned so that theaxes of the various projectors will be parallel, laterally offset withinworking region 20 of the cage and in such relative geometrical positionas to create a desired composite image which may be viewed on groundglass or screen 41 at or near front frame ring 15. The flexibility ofthe array of projectors with regard to individual positions in spaceminimizes the possibility of one projector interfering with anotherprojector. For viewing the composite image at the forward end of thecage, suitable ground glass or screen 41 is carried by frame ring to liein a plane which is perpendicular to the length of the cage. It is clearthat the entire region to the rear of or within the cage should beavailable for positioning projectors and permit the free projection ofthe portion of the composite image plane at or near front frame ring 15.Assuming that a number of projectors creates a desired composite imageat the ground glass or screen, the various projectors having beenproperly positioned, focused and adjusted for light intensity to createa desired image, the same may be viewed from the front of the composinghead and after a satisfactory arrangement has been obtained, camera 42can be prepared to photograph the desired composite image. In the caseof muIti-color work, two or more color plates have to be made.

The number and positions of individual projectors may be varied to suitrequirements. As illustrated in FIGS. 3 to 5 inclusive, geometricalpatterns may be projected first to insure desired relative placement ofcomponent image areas. Then various frames carrying desired materialsuch as pictures, reading matter, etc. may be arranged to be viewed andas many different arrangements of image positions may be tried asdesired. Insofar as photographing of the composite image on the displayfor viewing ground glass or screen is concerned, conventional techniquewith regard to shielding against extraneous light will be utilized.Obviously, the entire cage may be covered with a light-tight hood sothat only the composite image at the forward end of the cage will beviewed. Due to the fact that the line of sight of a viewer and camera 42will be against the light beams from the various projectors, excellentshielding against undesired light, particularly from the projectors,will have to be provided. It is possible to provide lighttight materialabout the entire composing cage and also provide additional shieldingagainst stray light at both ends of the cage and frame rings. Inaddition, the usual precautions against light reflecting shiny surfacesof the cage parts and various supports should be provided. Rather thanattempt to cut-off all extraneous light, it may be sufiicient to providea hood about the forward end of the cage and insure against stray lightat the ground glass or screen end of the frame beyond the boundaries orperimeter of the composite image. In addition, a hood about the regionbetween the composite image screen or glass and camera 42 may beprovided so that the film in camera 42 will be exposed only to lightfrom the composite image.

The projectors for use in projecting component images at the focal planeof the composing head (located at or near the front end of the cage)will normally use transparencies, each such transparency containing adesired component portion of the material to be projected by all theprojectors. Depending upon how the composite image from all theprojectors is utilized, it may be necessary to reverse transparencies inthe projectors to eliminate the efiects of image reversal. Thus, when aground glass or translucent screen is used for showing the compositeimage from all projectors, such glass or screen being located at thefocal plane at or near the front of the composing head, the compositeimage on the ground glass or screen may be visually observed by lightreflected from the incident face of such screen (the face receiving theprojected beams) or observed by light transmitted through the groundglass or screen.

Insofar as viewing the composite image from the front or outer face ofthe ground glass or screen is concerned, the ground glass or screen insuch case would be used as a back lighted screen and would have thematter displayed on such screen reversed insofar as right and left areconcerned. In such case, the transparencies in the projectors could bedisposed in the projectors in reverse fashion so that the compositeimage appearing at the back lighted screen would appear correctly as faras right and left are concerned. Such a composite image on a backlighted screen may be used as the object or field to be photographed.Accordingly, camera 42 may be trained or focused upon the back lightedscreen for photographing the composite image. Care must be exercised inlocating the focal plane at the correct face of the ground glass orscreen.

The advantage of photographing the composite image by transmitted lightis that the axes of projected beams impinge upon the ground glass orscreen perpendicular to the plane thereof and the optical axis of thecamera will fall on the outer face of the ground glass or screenperpendicular to the plane thereof and eliminate distortion because ofany offside location of camera.

It is also possible to use the old camera portrait procedure of focusingon a ground glass and replacing a ground glass or screen with asensitized photographic film or plate. 'In such case, the compositeimage will fall upon the sensitized photographic surface located at thefocal plane of the projector system. This, of course, will requireshielding the photographic film or plate from extraneous light andcontrolling the exposure time of the images projected at the focalplane. Such a procedure may involve controlling the on time of theprojectors or by keeping the projectors on and using a suitable shutterto control the exposure.

The general cage construction heretofore described is simple and has themerit of not requiring expensive tooling. However, it is understood thata generally elongated barrel-shaped structure having both ends open maybe used in place of a cage and means corresponding in function to thecage pipe lengths may be provided so that extension tubes or rods may besupported for adjustment rearwardly of the barrel end. Such extensiontubes or rods together with the laterally offset tube or rod supportsfor projectors are essential. Individual projectors must belongitudinally adjusted and may also be so positioned that the line ofprojection for individual projectors may be laterally offset as in thecage version. With respect to the front end of the barrel construction,a construction similar to the rear portion of a camera for accommodatingflat film or plate may be provided. In such a construction, anindividual light-tight holder for a ground glass or screen can beprovided, such construction permitting a ground glass or screen to beviewed as in conventional cameras and to be replaced by a photographicplate, the sensitized surface of which will be located at the focalplane. For process work where a sensitized photographic plate or film isused, the cover for a plate holder is generally provided, which covermust be removed for film exposure. A shutter separate from the plateholder is preferably used. Inasmuch as camera accessories for handlingflat film or plate in connection with applying or removing flat filmfrom the back of a camera are well-known, no detailed description isnecessary. In all cases, ready access for viewing a composite image on aback-lighted ground glass or screen must be present. In addition, meansmust be provided for replacing such ground glass or screen byphotographic film or plate at the focal plane of the composite imagecreated by the various projectors. It may be desirable to uselight-proof cloth for replacing the ground glass with film. It will beunderstood in all cases that the various projectors will be focused onthe focal plane of the system.

As previously indicated, it is possible to use a separate camera tofocus upon the ground glass or screen upon which the composite imageappears, the camera being trained to photograph the composite image fromthe front of the ground glass or screen, this being suggested in thedrawings. Such a procedure has the advantage of permitting the use ofrelatively small cameras having precision lens systems and usingrelatively small size film such as, for example, 35 millimeter film.However, in many instances, it may be desirable to use a cameraoperating in conjunction with relatively large size film or plate of therequired size for further handling. Thus, as an example, a camera usingan 8 X 10 inch or larger plate or film may be used to avoid enlargingrequirements.

What is claimed is:

l. A head for combining a plurality of separately projected images to acommon composite image visible on an image plane, said head comprising aplurality of laterally offset parallel pipe lengths disposed to providea cage enclosing a free working region within the space enclosed by suchpipe lengths, front and rear frame means at the two ends of said pipelengths for maintaining said cage, an elongated member for each of atleast certain of said pipe lengths, said elongated member being movableinto or out of its supporting pipe length from a rear end thereof, meansfor locking an elongated member in its supporting pipe length at apredetermined relative position, a bar for each elongated member, meansfor supporting a bar on its elongated member so that the bar length isperpendicular to the elongated member length, a projector support rodsupported on said bar so that the rod length is parallel to butlaterally offset from the elongated member length, said bar and itssupport means and rod support means being adjustable to dispose a rod ina desired position parallel to but laterally offset from its elongatedmember length, means for supporting a projector from the rod so that aprojecting light beam for projection can go along the length of suchcage within the working region along a path which is laterally offsetand parallel to such pipe length, means in proximity to the front end ofsuch cage for providing a focal plane surface upon which projected lightbeams can fall to provide a composite image, the various projectorsbeing adjustable not only along the length of the cage but laterallywith respect to other projectors so that a satisfactory composite imagecan be created, said composite image focal plane including means forrendering such composite image available to be photographed by a camerawhereby component images from various projectors may be combined in anydesired fashion to provide a satisfactory composite image and may bephotographed to provide afilm or plate containing such composite imagefor use in connection with graphic art technique.

1. A head for combining a plurality of separately projected images to acommon composite image visible on an image plane, said head comprising aplurality of laterally offset parallel pipe lengths disposed to providea cage enclosing a free working region within the space enclosed by suchpipe lengths, front and rear frame means at the two ends of said pipelengths for maintaining said cage, an elongated member for each of atleast certain of said pipe lengths, said elongated member being movableinto or out of its supporting pipe length from a rear end thereof, meansfor locking an elongated member in its supporting pipe length at apredetermined relative position, a bar for each elongated member, meansfor supporting a bar on its elongated member so that the bar length isperpendicular to the elongated member length, a projector support rodsupported on said bar so that the rod length is parallel to butlaterally offset from the elongated member length, said bar and itssupport means and rod support means being adjustable to dispose a rod ina desired position parallel to but laterally offset from its elongatedmember length, means for supporting a projector from the rod so that aprojecting light beam for projection can go along the length of suchcage within the working region along a path which is laterally offsetand parallel to such pipe length, means in proximity to the front end ofsuch cage for providing a focal plane surface upon which projected lightbeams can fall to provide a composite image, the various projectorsbeing adjustable not only along the length of the cage but laterallywith respect to other projectors so that a satisfactory composite imagecan be created, said composite image focal plane including means forrendering such composite image available to be photographed by a camerawhereby component images from various projectors may be combined in anydesired fashion to provide a satisfactory composite image and may bephotographed to provide a film or plate containing such composite imagefor use in connection with graphic art technique.